Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 126, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1920 — Immense Concrete Blocks. [ARTICLE]

Immense Concrete Blocks.

The largest concrete blocks ever laid are claimed to be those used in constructing the North Quay extension of the Port of Dublin. Each ‘block contained more than 5,000 cubic feet and weighed about 350 tons. By their use, as designed .by the late Dr. Bindon Blood Story, F. R. S., it was possible to build the extension quay without costly coffer dams, or extensive pumping. The blocks were made above high water level. When sufficiently set, they were lifted by a floating crane and deposited on a bed prepared by steam dredging, after which they were leveled by men working In a large diving bell, entered through < tube fitted with an air-lock. Large" concrete blocks were similarly placed for breakwater protection and for the foundation of one of the lighthouses at the harbor entrance.